For homeschool families, choosing a dual enrollment program is a significant decision, one that must align with both educational goals and foundational values. At Grace Christian University, our dual enrollment program is designed to serve students who are ready for the next academic challenge and who seek to grow in their knowledge while remaining rooted in Scripture. This program gives high school students access to accredited college courses taught by experienced Christian faculty in a community that takes spiritual formation seriously.
Dual enrollment at Grace is an intentional opportunity for homeschooled students to experience the expectations of higher education in a setting that affirms their faith, respects their preparation, and supports their calling.
A Bible-Centered Academic Experience
One of the most distinctive aspects of Grace Christian University is its commitment to a Bible-centered education. Unlike institutions that separate faith from coursework, Grace integrates Scripture across all academic disciplines. Professors are not only academically qualified in their fields, they are committed followers of Christ who approach their subjects through a biblical worldview.
Every class at Grace is structured with content that reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence shaped by biblical authority.
This commitment to biblical integration is not a surface-level feature. Grace requires 30 credit hours of Bible and Theology in its undergraduate degree programs. In these classes students are not just hearing Scripture mentioned; they’re being asked to think critically and apply it to their field of study.
On-Campus and Online
Grace Christian University offers dual enrollment courses in two flexible formats: on-campus and online. These options are structured with homeschool families in mind.
On-campus courses are held at Grace’s campus in Wyoming, Michigan, just outside of Grand Rapids. These classes meet twice per week, typically on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Importantly, there are no Friday classes, which allows students to preserve time for work, rest, or ministry.
For families who live outside West Michigan or those looking for added flexibility, Grace offers asynchronous online courses. These courses follow a structured academic calendar but allow students to complete assignments on their own schedule. Students interact with professors, submit work, and complete exams using Grace’s secure learning platform.
Both online and on-campus options are taught by the same qualified faculty, and both formats maintain the university’s academic and spiritual standards. This flexibility makes Grace an excellent choice for homeschool students who are managing a variety of schedules and responsibilities.
Who Is Eligible?
Grace’s dual enrollment program is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. For homeschool students, this means submitting a transcript maintained by the parent or homeschool program coordinator. Students must also have parental permission to enroll.
It’s worth noting that homeschool students tend to perform exceptionally well at Grace. Faculty regularly observe that these students arrive well-prepared, motivated, and disciplined. Their prior experience managing assignments, pacing, and independent study gives them an advantage in college-level coursework.
But academic readiness isn’t the only factor that contributes to success. The community at Grace plays a major role in supporting dual enrollment students. Professors are known for being accessible, encouraging, and invested in their students’ progress. In testimonial after testimonial, students describe how faculty members took time to answer questions, offer prayer, or help them navigate academic challenges.
Learn. Grow. Serve.
At Grace Christian University, three simple words give us a framework that students can expect while attending Grace: Learn. Grow. Serve. These are the practical steps we take to fulfill our mission of graduating courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go.
- Learn reflects our commitment to rigorous academics grounded in biblical truth. Dual enrollment students are introduced to college-level expectations while being taught by faculty who integrate Scripture into every subject. Students are equipped with knowledge and with the wisdom to apply it.
- Grow represents the personal and spiritual formation that takes place in our community. At Grace, growth happens through transformational relationships with professors who care, classmates who share similar values, and mentors who guide students toward Christlikeness. This environment encourages students to grow in maturity, purpose, and faith.
- Serve is the outward expression of a life shaped by Christ. Students are encouraged to use their education to serve others through ministry, professional work, and everyday interactions. Service at Grace is a core part of the learning process so students are prepared to impact the world around them from day one.
How to Apply
The application process for homeschool students is simple and straightforward:
- Submit the Dual Enrollment Application: This short online form must be completed with a parent or guardian present.
- Send a High School Transcript: Homeschool transcripts can be submitted directly to Kurt Classen, Manager of Dual Enrollment, at kclassen@gracechristian.edu.
- Choose Your Courses: Students may enroll in any 100 or 200 level course, as long as prerequisites are met. Course selection is finalized in consultation with Kurt Classen.
Applications for on-campus classes open on June 1, while online enrollment remains open year-round for fall and spring semesters.
Accreditation and Transferability
Grace Christian University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the same regional accrediting body that oversees institutions like the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University. The university is also accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).
This dual accreditation ensures that courses completed through Grace’s dual enrollment program are widely recognized by other colleges and universities. That said, each institution sets its own transfer credit policies. Students and parents are encouraged to check with the registrar of the college they may attend in the future. Grace provides detailed course descriptions and syllabi upon request to assist in the transfer process.
Cost and Financial Assistance
Tuition for dual enrollment is $185 per credit hour.
Students affiliated with a homeschool co-op or private Christian school may also be eligible for tuition assistance through Michigan’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act (PSEO). In such cases, Grace will request a principal letter from the homeschool organization verifying the student’s eligibility and outlining the financial support agreement.
Grace’s team is available to help families navigate this process. If you have questions about cost, documentation, or billing, staff will walk you through each step clearly and thoroughly.
What If You Need to Drop a Class?
Grace understands that plans can change. Students may drop a dual enrollment class within the first two weeks of the semester without academic or financial penalty. To do so, they simply need to email Susannah Spriegel at sspriegel@gracechristian.edu.
Students must maintain a grade of C or better to continue taking dual enrollment courses in future semesters. Those who do often return for multiple semesters, building up a full year or more of transferable college credit before ever stepping into full-time undergraduate studies.
Transcripts and Records
Students can access their unofficial transcript through Grace’s online student portal at my.gracechristian.edu. After course completion, official transcripts may be requested through the National Student Clearinghouse, which sends secure digital transcripts to any college or university nationwide. There is a small fee for this service.
A Community That Makes the Difference
One of the most consistent themes in student feedback is the quality of relationships at Grace. Faculty members mentor, encourage, and walk alongside students. For homeschool students stepping into college coursework for the first time, that kind of support can be the difference between surviving and thriving.
Grace is consistently recognized as one of the safest campuses in Michigan, offering a secure, welcoming environment where students can focus on learning and building lifelong friendships. Staff are present and approachable, residence halls are closely monitored, and the campus culture is one of mutual respect, accountability, and care.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a dual enrollment program is about more than scheduling convenience or credit accumulation. It’s about finding an institution that aligns with your student’s values, supports their goals, and prepares them for what’s next. At Grace Christian University, our mission is to graduate courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go.
Dual enrollment is the beginning of that journey of becoming a courageous ambassador.
To learn more or begin the application process, contact Kurt Classen at kclassen@gracechristian.edu or Request More Information.
